Assyria, a dominant empire in the ancient Near East, played a significant role in the history of Israel and Judah. The biblical narrative often highlights the spiritual and political consequences of Israel's reliance on Assyria, rather than on God, for security and deliverance. This misplaced trust is consistently condemned by the prophets and serves as a cautionary tale of faithlessness and its repercussions.

Historical Context

Assyria emerged as a formidable power in the 9th century BC, reaching its zenith under rulers such as Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, Sargon II, and Sennacherib. The empire's expansionist policies and military prowess made it a significant threat to the smaller kingdoms of Israel and Judah. In response to this threat, Israel and Judah often sought alliances with Assyria, hoping to secure their safety and political stability.

Biblical Condemnation

The prophets of Israel and Judah repeatedly condemned the nations for placing their trust in Assyria rather than in Yahweh. This reliance on a foreign power was seen as a rejection of God's sovereignty and a failure to adhere to the covenant relationship established with Him.

1. Isaiah's Rebuke: The prophet Isaiah strongly criticized the leaders of Judah for their reliance on Assyria. In Isaiah 30:1-2 , he declares, "Woe to the obstinate children, declares the LORD, who carry out a plan that is not Mine, forming an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. They set out to go down to Egypt without consulting Me, to seek help from Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shadow." Although this passage specifically mentions Egypt, the broader context of Isaiah's ministry includes warnings against alliances with Assyria as well.

2. Hosea's Warning: The prophet Hosea also condemned the Northern Kingdom of Israel for turning to Assyria. Hosea 5:13 states, "When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king for help. But he is unable to cure you or heal your wound." Hosea's message underscores the futility of seeking salvation from Assyria, emphasizing that only God can provide true deliverance.

3. The Fall of Samaria: The ultimate consequence of Israel's reliance on Assyria was the fall of Samaria in 722 BC. 2 Kings 17:3-6 recounts how Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Hoshea, the last king of Israel, leading to the siege and eventual capture of Samaria. This event marked the end of the Northern Kingdom and the beginning of the Assyrian exile.

Theological Implications

The biblical condemnation of Israel's trust in Assyria serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God. The prophets consistently called the people back to a reliance on Yahweh, warning that political alliances and military might could not substitute for divine protection and guidance. This theme is a recurring motif throughout the prophetic literature, emphasizing the need for spiritual fidelity and the dangers of idolatry and political expediency.

In summary, the biblical narrative regarding Assyria and Israel highlights the spiritual failures of the people in seeking security apart from God. The prophets' messages remain relevant, urging believers to place their trust in the Lord rather than in worldly powers.Hosea 5:13
When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 7:11
Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 8:9
For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim has hired lovers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Joyous Return
... doom of death, stretches out his hands to the condemned, and in ... Israel used always
to fall back upon Assyria ... they sent a present to the King of Assyria to come ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the joyous return.htm

Jeremiah and Deuteronomy. (Chs. vii, viii. 8, xi. )
... Witchcraft and necromancy are utterly condemned. ... same word) in the Baals or in Egypt
and Assyria. ... that precedent of the destruction of Israel's first sanctuary ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 jeremiah and deuteronomy chs.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... defenders:"some of its garrison were condemned to the ... his example, and the dominion
of Assyria was carried ... Hamath and masters of half Israel, were powerful ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Egypt
... endeavoured in vain to play off Assyria against Egypt. ... house of bondage, thus became
a second house of Israel. ... they were found wanting, he was condemned to the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... But what a blind, condemned creature are you, who, with ... of the kings of Judah and
Israel, whom the ... the kings of Egypt, Syria, Babylon and Assyria, and thus ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

Words to Rest On
... God raises up a judge to deliver Israel, and when ... afraid or dismayed for the King
of Assyria, nor for ... rest upon his finished work, how canst thou be condemned? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/words to rest on.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... Satan's, [739]ib.; the use of them condemned by the ... through idlers, [1527]ib.; jealous
of our trusting in man ... 1681]326; triumphed over king of Assyria by prayer ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... on them or on their predecessors had condemned them, allowed ... The example of Assyria
in matters of this kind ... task of rewriting the history of Israel, which, as ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Zab, in the mountains on the east of Assyria. ... convict prison, where ordinary criminals,
condemned to mutilation ... tradition in the kingdom of Israel, the latter ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. ... by raids in which
the children of Israel did not ... who, having put out his eyes, condemned him to ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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